American Leadership
CJFA Advisory Board
Executive Leadership
Kristen Picot serves as the President of North American Operations at the Courtney Jordan Foundation (CJF), where she spearheads initiatives that empower underserved communities across the United States. Since joining CJF in 2022, Kristen has played a pivotal role in launching Project Cornerstone America, a transformative multimillion-dollar initiative aimed at fostering education, workforce development, financial literacy, and community revitalization through Smart Community Centers.
Kristen holds a Master’s in Physiology and dual degrees in Mathematics and Engineering from North Carolina State University, providing her with a robust analytical foundation and a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving. Prior to her work at CJF, she held key leadership roles at SAS, a global leader in analytics, where she developed expertise in data-driven strategy, program management, and innovative technology solutions. Her ability to merge technical precision with social impact has been central to her success in driving systemic change in underserved communities.
Her competencies span business development, stakeholder engagement, project management, and strategic partnership building, all of which she leverages to design scalable solutions that address complex community challenges. Kristen has been instrumental in the expansion of CJF America, empowering individuals through entrepreneurial support, educational resources, and enhanced healthcare access. Her leadership has also been pivotal in the creation of CJF’s Smart Hubs, which serve as essential platforms for education, wellness, and economic opportunity in marginalized neighborhoods.
Erick Reid, JD
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Erick Reid, JD serves as the Chief Executive Officer of CJF America, bringing a dynamic blend of legal expertise, international operations leadership, and strategic acquisition experience to the organization. Prior to joining CJF, Erick spent over eight years at Neyius Corporation, where he held dual roles as Director of European Operations and Junior General Counsel. During his tenure, he played a key role in expanding, restoring, and acquiring high-value properties across Europe and was a central figure on the team that oversaw the acquisition and restructuring of several majority shares and holdings in the fintech industry.
As CEO of CJF America, Erick is responsible for steering the organization’s national strategy, driving mission-aligned growth, and strengthening partnerships that scale CJF’s impact across underserved communities. His role includes oversight of all operational arms, leading cross-sector collaboration, securing funding for large-scale initiatives like Project Cornerstone America, and ensuring CJF’s commitment to innovation and equity remains central in all endeavors.
Erick’s leadership is marked by a commitment to sustainable development, a keen understanding of global economic landscapes, and a passion for transforming lives through education, access, and opportunity.
Nick Gallardo
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) & Managing Partner, StartUP Fund
Nick Gallardo serves as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of CJF America and is also a Managing Partner at Startup Fund, where he oversees investment strategy and financial stewardship across the foundation’s innovation and community development initiatives.
Gallardo began his career as a Junior Financial Analyst at Neyius Corporation, where he contributed to the acquisition and revitalization of hospitality assets under the Neyius Hotel Group. His early work in financial modeling and due diligence helped facilitate several key property acquisitions across Europe.
In his current role at CJF America, Gallardo is responsible for managing the organization’s financial health, directing capital allocation, and ensuring fiscal transparency. He plays a pivotal role in structuring public-private partnerships and securing funding for initiatives like Project Cornerstone America.
Gallardo’s commitment to public service was evident during his 2022 campaign for mayor of Siler City, North Carolina. Although he was not elected, his candidacy garnered national attention due to the racist and homophobic threats he received during the campaign, highlighting issues of discrimination in local politics.
Additionally, Gallardo was involved in the RentSpotMe deal, which was featured on MSN, further showcasing his engagement in innovative financial ventures.
Gallardo’s blend of financial acumen and dedication to community empowerment positions him as a key leader in advancing CJF America’s mission to foster equitable development and opportunity.
Andy Colantuono
Chief of Staff
Andy Colantuno is the Chief of Staff at CJF America, where he serves as a strategic advisor and operational leader across the foundation’s expanding portfolio of programs and partnerships. Originally from Florida, Andy relocated in 2022 to join what was then known as Startup Siler—now the Startup Fund—where he played a vital role in scaling support systems for emerging entrepreneurs and expanding operations into key growth markets.
With deep ties to entrepreneurial ecosystems throughout the Southeast, Andy has worked closely with founders, investors, and civic leaders to foster innovation and drive inclusive economic development. His work includes launching accelerator programs, building strategic frameworks for regional expansion, and mentoring early-stage startups.
As Chief of Staff, Andy acts as a force multiplier for the executive team—synchronizing internal operations, managing cross-functional initiatives, and ensuring strategic goals are met with precision and efficiency. His role requires a keen ability to anticipate challenges, navigate complex stakeholder landscapes, and translate high-level vision into actionable results.
Andy’s passion for entrepreneurship and community impact continues to guide his work, as he helps CJF America deliver on its mission to build sustainable, equitable, and future-forward communities.
Vacant
Ministerial Assistant to the President & CEO
We are seeking a highly organized, mission-driven Ministerial Assistant to support the President & CEO of CJF America. This role requires a discerning individual with exceptional discretion, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to service. The ideal candidate will act as a bridge between the executive office and internal/external stakeholders, helping to coordinate key initiatives, manage communications, and provide both logistical and strategic support.
Key qualities and responsibilities include:
Serving as a trusted aide and representative of the Office of the CEO, upholding the values and vision of CJF America.
Managing scheduling, briefings, and correspondence with high-level partners and civic leaders.
Supporting special projects and initiatives, including community engagement, public appearances, and interdepartmental alignment.
Bringing a pastoral or ministerial sensitivity to executive decision-making, with a focus on justice, equity, and service.
Maintaining a grounded, flexible presence in a fast-paced, impact-driven environment.
This position is ideal for someone with a background in ministry, public affairs, nonprofit leadership, or executive support—someone who sees leadership as both a calling and a commitment to transformative impact.
Vacant
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
CJF America is seeking a visionary, systems-oriented Chief Operating Officer to oversee the organization’s core operations, infrastructure, and execution strategy. As the COO, this leader will work in close partnership with the CEO and executive team to ensure organizational alignment, operational excellence, and sustainable growth across all CJF initiatives—especially as programs scale nationally.
Key responsibilities and attributes include:
Leading daily operations with a focus on efficiency, transparency, and mission-driven impact.
Overseeing departments including finance, programs, HR, compliance, and Smart Community Center logistics.
Designing and refining systems that support CJF’s multi-site footprint and high-growth initiatives like Project Cornerstone America.
Collaborating with the CFO and executive leadership to manage budgets, assess risk, and allocate resources strategically.
Translating the vision of CJF America into actionable strategies that empower staff, serve communities, and deliver measurable outcomes.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned operator who blends nonprofit heart with private-sector precision—someone who thrives in complexity, inspires excellence, and views community advancement as both a business imperative and a moral one.
Edmund Ahlquist
Chief Strategy Officer (CSO)
Vacant
Chief Program Officer (CPO)
Reagan Cartwright
Chief Communications Officer
Edmund Ahlquist brings global insight and operational excellence to his role as Chief Strategy Officer at CJF America. With a rich background in philanthropy, corporate citizenship, and international program oversight, Edmund leads strategic planning and integration across CJF’s expanding footprint.
Prior to joining CJF, Edmund served as Director of Operations within the Division of Philanthropy and Corporate Citizenship at The Neyius Corporation, where he collaborated directly with executive leadership to align philanthropic initiatives with corporate vision. He played a pivotal role in managing the global branches of the Courtney Jordan Foundation in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Americas—work rooted in economic empowerment through education and entrepreneurship.
At CJF America, Edmund drives cross-sector partnerships, long-term planning, and innovative strategies that amplify the foundation’s impact across youth, education, housing, and community development programs. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to scalable solutions and lasting social change.
CJF America is looking for a strategic, visionary Chief Program Officer to lead and unify its growing portfolio of high-impact programs and initiatives. Reporting directly to the CEO, the CPO will oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of all major national programs—including acquisitions, subsidiaries, youth services, education platforms, and the flagship Project Cornerstone initiative.
With Senior Vice Presidents (SVPs) leading key verticals, the CPO will focus on strategy, alignment, and performance—ensuring that each program reflects CJF’s mission of equitable, community-centered development while operating efficiently and scaling with purpose.
Key responsibilities include:
Providing executive oversight for all programmatic areas, including education, workforce development, youth empowerment, housing, and community centers.
Managing and coordinating with SVPs to align goals, metrics, and outcomes across the organization.
Leading the integration of new acquisitions and subsidiaries into the CJF America ecosystem.
Reagan Cartwright leads CJF America’s national communications strategy as Chief Communications Officer, overseeing a talented team of six dedicated to crafting, delivering, and elevating the foundation’s message across the country. Tasked with shaping the narrative of CJF’s mission and scaling its visibility, Reagan plays a central role in the national rollout of Project Cornerstone America and other key initiatives.
She joins CJF America from The Neyius Corporation, where she led messaging and internal communications for newly acquired subsidiaries, ensuring seamless cultural and operational integration. As a former consultant with Neyius Advisors, Reagan advised Fortune 500 clients on executive messaging, strategic alignment, and change management—earning a reputation for clarity, creativity, and consistency in complex environments.
Reagan is a powerhouse communicator with a sharp strategic mind, a heart for service, and a track record of delivering impactful storytelling that drives action. At CJF America, she brings her expertise to the forefront of a movement, helping communities, stakeholders, and partners connect deeply with the transformative work underway.
Mason Atwater
Executive Director of Government and Community Affairs
Mason Atwater serves as the Executive Director of Government and Community Affairs at CJF America, where he leads efforts to build trusted relationships across public, civic, and community sectors. Mason works at the intersection of policy, diplomacy, and grassroots engagement—ensuring CJF’s initiatives are not only compliant but embraced by the communities and governments they are meant to serve.
Prior to joining CJF America, Mason held several distinguished roles within The Neyius Corporation, including as a key member of the Office of Protocol and Citizenship. There, he was part of international advance teams that helped establish Neyius’ presence in emerging markets and second-world countries. His work involved high-level strategic planning, cultural diplomacy, and stakeholder coordination in regions where Neyius expanded or acquired assets.
Mason also served as Communications Director for Neyius Energy, where he managed complex messaging strategies in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh—navigating regulatory environments, cultural nuance, and local expectations with skill and sensitivity. Fluent in multiple languages and widely respected for his diplomatic fluency, Mason has served on advisory boards and councils appointed by former heads of state, including the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
At CJF America, Mason is responsible for advancing strategic policy initiatives, forging public-private partnerships, and representing the foundation’s interests across all levels of government and community leadership. His global perspective and local-first approach make him an essential architect of CJF’s vision for equitable, sustainable transformation.
Senior Leadership
Rhoda Hormenoo
SVP of Cornerstone America
Cornerstone Leadership
cornerstone.cjfamerica.org
Rhoda Hornmenoo serves as the Senior Vice President of the Cornerstone Program at CJF America, where she leads the organization’s flagship initiative focused on transforming underserved communities through technology, education, and holistic support services. Rhoda joined CJF America in May 2024 as Director of the Cornerstone Center in Roxboro, Mayfield Ragland, and has since been promoted twice—first to Assistant Vice President and now to Senior Vice President—due to her exceptional leadership and impactful results in driving the mission forward.
In her role as SVP, Rhoda oversees the Cornerstone Program, which includes the Smart Centers initiative and all subsidiary programs under the Cornerstone umbrella. These centers empower individuals with career-ready skills in coding, arts, and technology, creating hubs for creativity, opportunity, and growth in underserved communities. Rhoda is responsible for managing program strategy, driving national expansion efforts, and ensuring the sustainability and scalability of these community-focused projects.
As a visionary leader, Rhoda works closely with executive leadership to align Cornerstone Program goals with CJF America’s broader mission and organizational strategy. Her ability to understand the unique needs of different communities allows her to craft tailored solutions that foster youth engagement, mentorship, and workforce readiness while building local partnerships to ensure lasting change.
Rhoda’s leadership style is marked by her strategic thinking, collaborative approach, and passion for fostering innovation and empowerment. She has proven to be a driving force behind the program’s growth and its positive impact on individuals and communities. Her work continues to inspire those who seek to leverage technology and education as vehicles for social change.
Linda Price
SVP of CJF Youth Alliance
Linda Price serves as the Senior Vice President of the CJF Youth Alliance, overseeing a diverse portfolio of youth programs aimed at empowering young individuals across the nation. With a passion for community building and youth engagement, Linda leads initiatives that encompass summer camps, youth councils, civic engagement, and a range of activities designed to foster leadership and community responsibility in the next generation.
Linda brings to CJF a deep reservoir of experience in program development and execution. As Program Director at The Courtney Jordan Foundation, she led the national expansion of the Durham Youth Alliance (DYA), taking the program from a local initiative to a model for youth development, now scaling across 20 cities by the end of 2025. Her work has focused on creating personalized strategies that align with the unique needs of each community while maintaining the core principles of mentorship, leadership development, and hands-on real-world opportunities.
Her journey to this role is one marked by resilience and dedication. After a decade of working as an administrative support specialist, Linda transitioned into caregiving when her husband became ill. During this time, she honed her skills in tech and freelancing, while balancing the demands of caring for her family. After her husband’s passing, she honored his wish by returning to school and diving into the tech world, while continuing to focus on empowering the next generation.
Linda’s ability to blend personal experience with professional expertise makes her uniquely suited to lead the CJF Youth Alliance. She brings not only a strategic vision for youth programming but also a compassionate, hands-on approach that ensures every initiative truly impacts the communities it serves.
Vacant
SVP of Educational Programming
The Senior Vice President of Educational Programming at CJF America will be a visionary leader responsible for overseeing the foundation’s comprehensive educational initiatives. This role will focus on the strategic direction and operational excellence of all educational programming, ensuring that each project aligns with CJF’s mission to empower underserved communities and bridge the gap to greater educational opportunities.
Key responsibilities will include leading the development and implementation of programs aimed at academic enrichment, workforce readiness, and technology education, with an emphasis on building scalable models that can be adopted across communities. The SVP will oversee the Smart Centers, which combine tech education, music production, and holistic support, ensuring these centers provide participants with the skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce.
In addition to program development, the SVP will work closely with schools, local governments, and strategic partners to advocate for sustainable educational solutions. They will be tasked with monitoring program effectiveness through measurable goals and success metrics, ensuring that all programs consistently meet the needs of youth while advancing the foundation’s long-term goals.
An ideal candidate for this role will have a deep understanding of educational policy, program management, and community partnerships, coupled with a proven track record of scaling impactful educational initiatives. This leader must be able to inspire and motivate teams, foster collaboration across departments, and maintain a relentless focus on results—while ensuring that each program aligns with the foundation’s broader mission of creating lasting change in the lives of underserved youth.
Vacant
SVP of Special Programs
he Senior Vice President of Special Programs at CJF America will be a dynamic and strategic leader responsible for managing the foundation’s subsidiaries, overseeing acquisition initiatives, and ensuring that all special programs align with CJF America’s mission to create sustainable, transformative change. This role will serve as the driving force behind the integration of newly acquired assets and programs, ensuring they are seamlessly incorporated into CJF America’s broader strategy.
Key responsibilities will include leading and managing CJF America’s subsidiary portfolio, ensuring that each entity operates efficiently, effectively, and in alignment with the foundation’s overarching goals. The SVP will oversee the acquisition process, including evaluating new opportunities, managing due diligence, and overseeing integration efforts to ensure acquisitions are successfully absorbed into the CJF America ecosystem.
In addition to the management of subsidiaries and acquisitions, the SVP of Special Programs will be instrumental in designing and scaling innovative programs that expand CJF America’s reach and impact. This role will require the ability to work cross-functionally with various teams, ensuring that each program within the CJF America umbrella is managed to the highest standard, with clear KPIs and performance metrics to track success.
An ideal candidate for this role will bring a wealth of experience in mergers and acquisitions, program development, and portfolio management, combined with a deep understanding of how to lead multi-faceted teams toward achieving long-term, strategic objectives. The SVP will be a change agent, continuously evaluating opportunities to expand CJF America’s impact through thoughtful, high-impact acquisitions and the optimization of existing subsidiary operations.
Vacant
National Director of Volunteer Engagement
The National Director of Volunteer Engagement at CJF America will be an essential leader responsible for driving the foundation’s volunteer strategy and maximizing the impact of volunteers across the nation. This role will oversee all aspects of volunteer recruitment, training, retention, and engagement, ensuring that volunteers are empowered and motivated to contribute to CJF America’s mission of creating positive change in underserved communities.
Key responsibilities will include developing and executing a nationwide volunteer engagement strategy, establishing robust volunteer networks, and creating engaging programs that connect volunteers with meaningful opportunities. The National Director will work closely with regional teams and local partners to identify volunteer needs across various initiatives, from educational programs to community outreach, ensuring that each volunteer experience is impactful, rewarding, and aligned with the foundation’s broader goals.
The Director will also be tasked with cultivating a culture of volunteerism within CJF America, fostering strong relationships with both individual volunteers and corporate partners. They will be responsible for the development and implementation of volunteer recognition programs, performance metrics, and ongoing training initiatives to ensure that volunteers are equipped with the tools and resources needed to make a lasting impact.
An ideal candidate will have extensive experience in volunteer management, community engagement, and program development. The National Director of Volunteer Engagement should possess strong leadership skills, a passion for community service, and the ability to inspire and motivate volunteers to create lasting change. This role requires a deep commitment to creating inclusive, impactful volunteer programs that resonate with diverse communities across the nation.
Vacant
Regional Director of Strategic Planning
The Regional Director of Strategic Planning at CJF America will play a crucial role in developing and executing strategic initiatives that align with the foundation’s mission and long-term goals. This position requires a visionary leader who will oversee the creation and implementation of strategic plans within their designated region, ensuring that programs, operations, and community partnerships are optimized for impact and sustainability.
Key responsibilities include analyzing regional trends and needs, working closely with local leadership teams, and crafting strategic roadmaps that guide regional growth, program expansion, and community engagement. The Regional Director will be responsible for identifying key opportunities and challenges in their region and developing actionable strategies to address them, ensuring that regional efforts align with CJF America’s broader national strategy.
The Regional Director will also serve as the key liaison between regional teams and the executive leadership of CJF America, ensuring seamless communication and alignment on organizational priorities. The role will involve coordinating cross-functional teams to ensure that strategic objectives are met, with a focus on optimizing operations, resource allocation, and partnerships to drive greater impact across the region.
An ideal candidate will possess significant experience in strategic planning, regional management, and program development, with the ability to lead through influence and collaboration. Strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of the region’s unique needs, and a proven ability to translate high-level strategy into actionable initiatives are essential for success in this role. The Regional Director will also be responsible for tracking and measuring the success of strategic initiatives, ensuring that regional goals are met and adjusted as needed based on performance data and feedback from local stakeholders.